ADV Films Announces Capital Investment
Today A.D.Vision, Inc. announced a substantial investment in the company by Japanese Contents Investment LPS (JCI), an investor group led by Sojitz Corporation, in exchange for a minority equity stake. Additionally, a separate capital commitment for the acquisition of new filmed content was made by ARM Corporation, a subsidiary of JCI.
Through its home video, broadcast, licensing, theatrical and publishing divisions, Houston-based A.D.Vision is the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (’anime’) and anime-related content outside Japan.
Sojitz Corporation is a publicly listed Japanese holding company with over $48 billion in annual sales. As a major producer and distributor of filmed content, including anime, Sojitz’ access to anime and other filmed content will enhance A.D.Vision’s position as a leading home media distributor. A.D.Vision plans to expand its own Wireless and New Media (WNM) offerings by leveraging Sojitz’ expertise and resources in this segment.
Shinichi Uchiyama, Senior Vice President of Sojitz’ New Business Development Group, comments that ‘Anime has become a global phenomenon, and the North American and European markets are slated for sustained growth. As the market leader, A.D.Vision is the best partner to realize that growth.’
‘This is a perfect marriage,’ said A.D.Vision president John Ledford. ‘Sojitz gains ADV’s specialized knowledge in the packaging and distribution of anime content for the North American and European markets. We gain Sojitz’s global network and expertise in Wireless and New Media, which for anime-related content is a particularly strong growth area.’